UK Power Networks energy data portal opts for CC-BY-4.0

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Robbie Morrison

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Nov 18, 2022, 7:42:13 AM11/18/22
to openmod list, Yiu-Shing Pang (Open Data Manager, UK Power Networks)

Hello all, hello Yiu-Shing

UK Power Networks, a DNO in England, has opted for Creative Commons CC‑BY‑4.0 licensing for their new energy data portal.

Choosing that particular license is not especially notable, but the analysis behind their decision is well worth reading:

  • Pang, Yiu‑Shing (7 November 2022). Open licences. LinkedIn. Blog.

In particular, Yiu‑Shing examines the question of legal compatibility between data licensed under the official United Kingdom OGL‑UK‑3.0 license and data licensed under the more ubiquitous Creative Commons CC‑BY‑4.0 license. At best, that matter of OGL → CC‑BY compatibility is unresolved. And at worst, the two instruments create separate legal silos.

More generally, it is usually counterproductive to create bespoke licenses, write in choice‑of‑law provisions, rip out clauses from Creative Commons licenses you don't like, or add additional waivers for liability. Managing data is difficult enough with adding unnecessary legal uncertainties to the mix.

with best wishes, Robbie

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Robbie Morrison
Address: Schillerstrasse 85, 10627 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49.30.612-87617
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